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Papaya has rightly been named as the ‘angel fruit’ due to its versatility and amazing properties. It is a wholesome and nutritive fruit and a rich source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that keep the body’s systems in optimal health. It is not only an excellent aid for digestion, but it is also very beneficial for the skin when used topically in the form of face packs (1).

This article talks about the various face packs that use papaya along with other ingredients to reap the maximum benefits of this versatile fruit. Before we get to the packs, let’s take a look at the benefits of this fruit for the skin.

Benefits Of Using Papaya As A Face Pack

The potassium present in papaya hydrates the skin and removes dullness and dryness.

Papaya contains high amounts of vitamins A and C. These are antioxidants that reduce the formation of free radicals that are responsible for premature aging.

The flavonoids in papaya help increase the collagen production in the skin, which makes the skin soft, firm, and supple.

Ripe papaya contains BHA (or beta hydroxy acid) that acts as a mild exfoliator. It gently removes the top layer of dead skin cells from your face and makes your skin radiant and younger looking. It also clears the dirt and oil that can lead to acne and breakouts on the face.

It contains a special enzyme called papain that removes dead cells and other impurities present in the skin. It unclogs pores and removes excess sebum from the skin that may be making it oily and prone to acne.

Rich in healing enzymes, papaya can be also used to treat sunburns or soothe irritated skin.

Since it is an antifungal compound, it can help to treat topical fungal infections.

With such a wide range of benefits, papaya is a fruit you should definitely include in your skin care regimen (2, 3, 4, 5). It is suitable for all skin types. Read on to know how to use this fruit in a face pack for your skin type or to deal with a particular skin issue.

1. Papaya And Honey Face Mask For Dry Skin

You Will Need

What You Have To Do

Add the milk and honey to the papaya mash. Mix well to obtain a fine paste.

Apply this pack all over your face and neck.

Keep it on for about 15 minutes and then rinse with cold water.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this once or twice a week.

Why This Works

Papaya and honey are well known for their hydrating properties. They provide moisture to dry skin, making it soft, supple, and smooth (6). Milk brightens the skin and reduces blemishes and dark spots (7). You will instantly notice the difference as your face will feel very soft and smooth.

Caution

Do not add milk to the face pack if you are allergic to dairy products. Instead, add another tablespoon of honey.

What You Have To Do

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once in every 3-4 days.

Why This Works

While honey nourishes the skin, the enzymes in papaya and lemon juice cleanse the skin, unclog the pores, and also kill the acne-causing microbes. The skin’s pH is also brought under control, and this regulates the oil production (8).

3. Papaya, Cucumber, And Banana For A Soothing Effect

You Will Need

What You Have To Do

Cut the cucumber into small pieces and blend them with the papaya and banana to get a smooth paste.

Apply this paste on your face and neck. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Rinse with warm water first and then do a final rinse with cold water.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once every week.

Why This Works

Cucumber is very hydrating and soothing for the skin. Any inflammations or irritations (like sunburns) are best treated with this pack. Cucumber also evens out the skin tone (9). Banana, on the other hand, contains healthy fats that keep the skin soft and moisturized. It is also a good anti-aging fruit that smoothens out wrinkles and makes the skin firm (10).

Why This Works

5. Papaya And Orange Face Pack For Oily Skin

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

A ripe papaya

5-6 pieces of orange

What You Have To Do

1. Chop the ripe papaya into a few pieces. 2. Squeeze out the juice from the orange pieces and add it to the papaya pieces. Mix well and apply to your face. 3. Keep it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice a week.

Why This Works

Orange is well suited for oily skin because it works as a natural astringent that reduces the oil on the face (12). Orange juice and papaya also have skin brightening properties. They work well on blemishes, spots, pigmentation, and skin dullness.

What You Have To Do

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this face pack 2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Lemon has always been known for its skin brightening and bleaching properties. These properties can be attributed to the mild acids and vitamin C present in it. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that prevents the formation of free radicals that cause aging of the skin (13).

What You Have To Do

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once every week.

Why This Works

The enzymes present in papaya loosen the hair follicles, making it easy to remove the unwanted hair with the scrubbing action used to take off the pack. The turmeric in this mix keeps the follicles from getting infected with its antimicrobial properties (14).